If you’ve ever driven down Millburn Avenue and caught a glimpse of the glow from La Pergola’s floor-to-ceiling arched windows, you’ve probably wondered what magic was happening inside. The sound of laughter, the sight of wine glasses catching the light, plates of beautiful pasta being whisked from table to table — it’s the kind of scene that makes you want to park the car and pull up a chair.
For the past 15 years, La Pergola has been more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where the food is as authentic as the welcome, and where celebrations — big and small — are served with a side of warmth and charm.
“When we opened La Pergola, our dream was simple: to bring the warmth, flavors, and traditions of Northern Italy to Millburn,” says co-owner and executive chef, Driola Kaloshi. “Food is like a poem to me. Every chef has a story. It comes from the heart.”
A Flavorful Labor of Love
Every day starts with Agron, Driola’s husband and co-owner, checking deliveries like a conductor tuning an orchestra before a performance. “The best meals start with the best ingredients,” he says. From locally grown produce to premium meats and seafood, nothing makes it onto a plate without his approval.
And those plates? They’re the kind of dishes you remember long after the last bite. Think house-made tagliatelle al tartufo with seasonal shaved truffles and Parmigiano-Reggiano, risotto with meltingly tender osso buco, or figs stuffed with gorgonzola and walnuts in the fall. There’s always something new to tempt you — squash-filled ravioli, braised wild boar with pappardelle, or delicate stuffed quail — alongside year-round favorites like Pan-Seared Tuna with cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, and arugula.
“All of our pastas, gnocchi, and desserts are made from scratch,” says Driola. “We put the best ingredients into every dish.”
Garden Dining Magic
While the cozy dining room glows year-round, there’s something almost cinematic about eating in La Pergola’s garden. Strings of lights twinkle over tables surrounded by flowers and greenery. “It’s peaceful, romantic, and a little magical,” says Driola. “The garden feels like an escape — perfect before a show at the Paper Mill Playhouse or for a long, lingering dinner under the stars.”
It’s also a favorite for celebrations. Engagements, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, even weddings are toasted under those lights. Driola makes sure each one feels personal, from arranging flowers and candles to designing custom menus that suit everyone at the table — including kids and those with special dietary needs.
BYOB: Bring Your Own Bottle, Bring Your Own Story
La Pergola’s BYOB policy is more than a perk; it’s part of the experience. Guests bring bottles that mean something — a wine from a honeymoon in Italy, champagne to mark a promotion, a special reserve saved for an anniversary. “Our service is like a family table,” Driola says. “People take their time here. They talk, they laugh, they connect. That’s the real heart of La Pergola.”
A Community of Memories
Ask any regular and they’ll tell you — the Kaloshis don’t just serve food, they become part of your story. One longtime patron, a senior with dietary restrictions, had lunch and dinner delivered from La Pergola every day for eight years. Others have celebrated nearly every life milestone here. Many birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, wedding rehearsals and entire weddings, baby and bridal showers, graduations, religious occasions, and other events have been celebrated at the restaurant. “The most surprising thing over the years is how much our guests have become like family,” Driola reflects. “The joy is in the connections.”
The Next Chapter
Whether you’re headed to the theater, toasting an anniversary, or simply craving pasta that tastes like it came from your personal chef, bring your favorite bottle and pull up a chair. After 15 years, La Pergola isn’t just a restaurant — it’s Millburn’s table for life’s best moments.
LaPergolaNJ.com
Every chef has a story. It comes from the heart.